Human rights defenders are demanding an investigation into two massacres perpetrated by military and police forces in Bangsamoro. The Moro-Christian Peoples Alliance (MCPA) want an independent probe into the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) relentless killing of 10 Moros accused of being members of the Dawlah Islamiya–Maute Group in Barangay Banga-Pantar, Marantao, Lanao del Sur on April 17.

Police claim they and soldiers were serving arrest warrants against Amerol Mangonraka and Benjie Amor Macabato when a “prolonged firefight” erupted. After the alleged firefight, the remains of the two men emerged, along with their wives and six others whom the military accused of being “fighters.” The casualties included Nahara Khairiya S. Hamim, Jamail Ibrahim, Fahmi Aminodin, Sohaile Borud Bato, and Mohaimen Aragon. One was a student at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Residents tell a different story: no prolonged firefight occurred in the area at the time police and soldiers claimed. Witnesses who knew the victims say some had already surrendered to the government. MCPA reports widespread terror from the incident. Many young men fled the community fearing false accusations.

Joint forces of the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) killed three family members in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City on April 23 at 1 a.m. in what they declared a “legitimate police operation.”

Killed was member of barangay justice committee Jerry Alfad, 52, his son Salam Alfad, 12, and nephew Rayyan Alfad, 22. Mislie Aradais Alfad, Sayra Alfad, and Saralyn Alfad, a youth councilor, were injured. Relatives say the victims were clearly shot while lying down asleep, based on the number and direction of bullet hits on the bed. Bullets riddled the entire house.